Roger Cukierman, head of Jewish organisation CRIF (Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions) and vice-president of the World Jewish Congress spoke to French newspaper Le Figaro about the ‘quenelle’ gesture and informed them that the sign is only deemed as anti-Semitic when made on a Jewish site.

Cukierman had the following to say after Anelka was sanctioned by the FA for his gesture:

“That gesture can only have an anti-Semitic connotation when performed at a synagogue or a memorial to Holocaust victims. In a place that has no significance for Jews, it is merely an anti-establishment gesture which I feel does not warrant any harsh sanction.”

A lengthy 34-page document was sent to West Brom by the FA on Tuesday, as English soccer’s governing body explained their allegations against Anelka. The French striker has until 6pm GMT on Thursday to appeal against the charges.

Here is the Tweet Anelka sent out with a link to Cukierman’s video, as the French strikers continues to pleas his innocence after the controversial gesture.